"So we need something green", they must have said around the boardroom table.
What they likely argued about was whether they'd do a conventional petrol-electric hybrid like the Toyota Prius , plug-in hybrid in the mould of Chevrolet's Volt or a full electric car that takes the polar-bear-saving contest to the Nissan Leaf .
In the end, Hyundai decided to build one vehicle that could do all three, depending on the level of electrification chosen by the customer.
That car is the forthcoming Hyundai Ioniq, seen here for the first time in the accompanying official rendering, and set to make its debut at various motor shows around the globe in 2016.
As mentioned, customers will be able to choose one of three powertrains, namely a conventional petrol-electric hybrid, a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid or full electric system and it'll be the first car in the world to offer all three options.
As far as Hyundai is concerned, its new contender combines "class-leading fuel efficiency with a fun, responsive drive and attractive design."
We reckon anything that provides a more enjoyable alternative to the Prius and Leaf will have a lot going for it, so here's to hoping that the final product is all it's cracked up to be.